Cubs closer Kevin Gregg waits for trade news

Gregg, 35, has been part of a trade twice during his 11 seasons in the majors – including being sent from the Marlins to the Cubs in 2008 – and understands that’s part of the business. However, in the final hours ahead of Wednesday’s 3 p.m. trade deadline, he’s not sure which way president of baseball operations Theo Epstein is leaning.

Gregg entered Monday’s game against the Brewers with 22 saves in 25 chances. Gregg said even if he does get traded, he would consider re-signing with the Cubs during the offseason, noting “if you’re happy with everything, it’s a good place for you.”

“You’re fond of where you’re at, but you’ve also got to realize the team that traded for you wanted you more,” Gregg said. “So you’re fitting in that team, in their eyes, better. So you’re excited to go somewhere you’re wanted and be a part of that.”

Schierholtz ‘flattered’ by trade talk: Outfielder Nate Schierholtz appreciates contending playoff teams’ interest, but the 29-year-old would be happy to stay with the Cubs beyond Wednesday and be part of the organization’s future.

Schierholtz has shined since signing a one-year deal with the Cubs in the offseason. Earning most of the playing time in right field, Schierholtz is batting .278 and has set a career-high in home runs (14) and RBIs (43) with 59 games left to play.

“Hopefully, if I’m still here, I’ll be thankful,” Schierholtz said. “But yeah, I’m just focused on coming in here, focused on today’s game. That’s really all we can control as players is coming out and doing our part to help the team win.”

Former Cub Castillo remembered: Former pitcher Frank Castillo, who spent seven seasons with the Cubs from 1991-97, died Sunday in Bartlett Lake in Arizona, having drowned while swimming.

Castillo, also previously a minor league coach in the organization, played with Cubs manager Dale Sveum in the minors. Castillo, 44, went 82-104 with a 4.56 ERA during 13 seasons in the majors.

“It was obviously a bad accident and obviously a lake probably close to my house – he lived right over the hill from me,” Sveum said. “Didn’t see him a lot, but, yeah, a great guy, great teammate when I played with him and an unfortunate accident.”

Quick hits: Junior Lake snapped a 0 for 14 slump with a single to left field in the third inning during his first career start at Wrigley Field on Monday. … Anthony Rizzo’s 30 doubles entering Monday’s game tied him for the second most in the National League. … In his rehab start at Advanced-A Daytona, Scott Baker allowed two runs (one earned) in 31/3 innings with two walks and two strikeouts.